“Offering options to parents for different ways of education is the best way we can educate every single kid to his or her maximum potential,” Halsey said. “JPEC is a different way to educate kids.”

Though he admits that the formation of the charter school has been a controversial issue in Jackson, Halsey said he believes it will be good for the county.

“No way is this a hit on the other schools in the county,” he said. “I believe in options, and I’m excited about the possibilities of this school. I believe it will present new ideas in education that will be good for all our kids.”

If approved, Halsey will join Robert Rando, Harry Baltimore, Rebekah Woods and Jonathan Williams on the JPEC board. Due to the board’s staggered schedule of board terms, Halsey’s term would last through April 2015, Masters said.